Which federal agency governs commercial motor vehicle safety standards in the United States?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the primary federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial motor vehicle safety standards in the United States. The FMCSA's mission is to promote safe transportation through the establishment and enforcement of regulations and standards that govern the operation of commercial vehicles. These regulations cover a wide range of topics including licensing, driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, and maintenance requirements, all aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities on the nation's highways.

While other agencies, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), also play a role in vehicle safety, particularly in areas related to vehicle performance standards and recalls, the FMCSA specifically addresses the safety aspects pertinent to commercial trucking and freight operations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily deals with environmental issues, including emissions standards, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on worker safety, none of which directly govern the specific safety standards related to commercial motor vehicles.